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Food or Drink Business

Starting or operating a food and drink business will require you to obtain certain permits, licenses, and registrations, find out more below. 

About Operating as a Food or Drink Business  

A food business is any business, enterprise or activity that involves the handling of food, including beverages. It includes commercial, charitable, non-profit and community organisations providing ongoing food services. It also includes other kinds of businesses that offer refreshments and light snacks as an added service. In all these occasions you will need to register with us as a food business, as well as apply for other relevant permits.  

All the guidelines and requirements for running and operating a food business are outlined in the Food Act 2008 (WA), Food Regulations 2009 and the Food Standards Code.

I'm Alert - Food Handlers Training Program  

I’m Alert is an interactive online training program that provides crucial skills and knowledge required to ensure you’re providing safe food for your customers. This free online training resource helps businesses ensure their staff have the necessary knowledge to handle food safely. We recommend that you and your staff complete the program before opening your food or drink business. Register and complete the program.  

Guide to the Design, Construction and Fit-Out of a Food Business

We have a helpful guide to help walk you through the requirements of a food or drink business in our city. You should refer to this before making any building or construction plans to make sure that you are following specific rules and regulations. See the full guide to the design, construction and fit-out of a food business (PDF).

Constructing or Altering a Food Business 

When building a new food premises you should refer to the design, construction and fit-out of a food business and provide the following information to accompany your registration form:   

  • Site plan (drawn to scale of not less than 1:100)  
  • Floor Plan (drawn to scale of not less than 1:100)
  • Sectional Elevations 
  • Hydraulic Plans 
  • Mechanical Ventilation Plans 
  • Transport Vehicle Plan 
  • Potable Water Supply 

Please note that prior to signing a lease or purchasing the premises, you may wish to contact us to determine if a Development application (Planning Services) and a Building Approval is required for the proposal.  

If you are looking to making structural alterations to an existing food business, an application is not required from Health Services, however you should refer to the design, construction and fit-out of a food business and provide the above listed documents, along with your Food Business Registration Form to health.admin@melville.wa.gov.au, via post, or in-person

Residential or Home-Based Food Business  

You can register as a home-based food business if you plan to sell or produce ‘low risk’ foods. These are outlined and classified in the Food Act 2008, and include: 

  • Jams and marmalades 
  • Pickled fruits and vegetables 
  • Spices and spice mixes  
  • Nougat, fudge and other confectionary products 

See the full list outlined in the Food Act 2008. You may need to submit further information such as a Certificate of Analyst for shelf life testing, pH (acidity) and aW (water activity) of the food products to verify the “low risk” nature of the food.  

Application for a Residential Food Business  

You can submit your application to us via health.admin@melville.wa.gov.au, post, or in-person

Temporary Food Businesses

If you are planning to start a temporary food business including food and drink trucks and food stalls, you will need to register with us as a Mobile or Temporary Food Business

Events and Food Stalls 

If you intend to operate a food stall at a market or event, please contact the event organiser to register your interest. As part of the registration, you will need to provide a current copy of a food registration certificate issued from the local government you reside in or are based from.  

The event organiser will lodge a permit to include all traders associated with the event/market. 

We are also currently reviewing our Policy on Trading in Public Places and as such we are not currently accepting any new applications for Fixed Trading Permits on City managed Parks and Reserves.  

Liquor Licences  

If you intend to supply and sell liquor at your business, you will need the appropriate liquor license. See more information about liquor licences within our city. If you’re not sure what liquor license you need, please contact us.  

Planning and Development Approvals  

You will need to ensure the suitability of your proposed business in your chosen location or building. Our Planning Officers will ensure it complies with zoning, parking, signs, and other relevant planning schemes. Please contact us if you want to check your zoning prior to your application.   

Change of Use to Existing Building 

Planning and development approval may be required if there is a change of use to the existing building, for example if the business was previously a gym and you are repurposing the building to be a retail café or restaurant. Please see our land use and change of use page for further information. 

Signage and Advertising  

Putting up signage and advertising can be an excellent way to market your business. We recommend you read through and follow our Local Planning Policy Outdoor Advertisements and Signage to ensure you comply with our guidelines and local laws.  

Verge Bonds  

If you are planning extensive construction, valued at over $20,000, we will require a verge bond to ensure that any damage caused to our infrastructure during construction or demolition works is rectified. Please see more information about Verge Bonds and Refunds.

Building Approvals  

If you plan on making any structural alterations or additions to an existing building or verge, or if you’re constructing a new premise for your business, you will need building approval for the proposed construction. Please contact us to discuss your building plans.

Occupancy Permit 

You will need to obtain an occupancy permit if you:  

  • Are making structural changes to the existing building;  
  • Are making changes to the fire safety of the building; 
  • If you are constructing a new building  

An occupancy permit is usually registered by the building surveyor and ensures that your building complies with relevant planning and building regulations. See further information and how to apply on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

Environmental Health Approvals  

Prior to opening your food business, you will need to arrange for an inspection of the premise to ensure all food is being stored, handled, cooked and served safely, and that you are compliant with the Food Act and Food Safety Standards Code. Following this inspection, if you are compliant you will be provided with a Food Assessment Report prior to the issuing of a Certificate of Registration.

Food and Drink Premise Inspections 

Our Environmental Health Officers will periodically visit your business to undertake unannounced inspections to determine compliance with the Food Act and Food Safety Standards Code.  

Scores on the Doors  

We operate a hygiene recognition scheme that awards businesses that meet and exceed food safety requirements with a star rating out of five. Look out for Scores on the Doors certificates on display at food businesses around the city. 

You can also see a dashboard of Scores on Doors participants

Alfresco Dining Permit 

If you plan on having an outdoor dining area adjoined to your food or drink business, you will need approval from us. Please see our Alfresco Dining Permit Page for more information and guidelines for this permit.  

Fees and Charges 

Please see our full schedule of fees for fees and charges relating to food or drink businesses

Timelines for Applications

We aim to complete the registration of your business within 14 days. All other permits and approvals will be dependent on extent of works being done or changes to an existing building. We recommend you contact us before starting your application process to discuss timelines.  

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